The Impact of Netflix's Acquisition of Warner Bros. on the Future of Professional Wrestling (It's Complicated)

Netflix's takeover of Warner Bros. signals a major shift in Hollywood, but its influence on All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is less clear. AEW, being the second-largest wrestling promotion in North America, competes directly with WWE. With Netflix already streaming "WWE Raw" and select premium events in the U.S., along with "WWE SmackDown" and "NXT" internationally, questions arise about whether the platform might favor WWE over AEW.

The Netflix-Warner Bros. deal primarily covers film and television studios, as well as HBO Max, leaving traditional TV channels like TBS, TNT, and CNN untouched. This is a positive sign for AEW, whose weekly programs "Dynamite" and "Collision" remain scheduled on TBS and TNT until 2027, with an option for an additional year. Beyond that, the continuation of AEW's partnership with Warner Bros. remains uncertain.

For WWE executives, a Netflix alliance with AEW could be unwelcome, given the company's history of consolidating control over the wrestling industry by acquiring rival promotions. With Netflix's growing influence over Warner Bros., its possible that AEW may need to seek new broadcast arrangements after 2027.

Currently, wrestling fans often assume AEW and Warner Bros. might part ways post-2027/28. While "Dynamite" and "Collision" could theoretically continue airing under Netflix's oversight, corporate dynamics suggest this may be unlikely. WWE has a record of counterprogramming AEW to diminish its audience and revenue, reinforcing the competitive tension between the two promotions.

However, theres a potential twist: AEW could emerge as Netflixs preferred wrestling brand. WWE's content is dispersed across multiple platforms like Netflix, USA Network, The CW, and ESPN, while AEW has maintained strong ties with Warner Bros.even naming titles after TBS and TNT. These loyalties could play a role in future negotiations.

When WWE's Netflix agreement eventually expires, its programming could be up for grabs, giving Netflix an opportunity to invest in AEW or another wrestling product at a lower cost than WWEs current media fees. While speculative, this scenario highlights the evolving media landscape for professional wrestling and the potential for AEW to strengthen its position under Netflixs growing influence.

Author: Benjamin Carter